Finch Pinch Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A I (v3a1 I) Raps:2, max ↨130ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:4WD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Mar-Oct
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43.2310, -117.4939
43.2266, -117.4964
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Waterflow
Introduction[edit]
This is an easy to access canyon located right near the campsite for the Old Historic Ranch on the Owyhee River. This is a very short, 2 rap canyon, that could likely be done in 1 hour. The first rap is out of the drainage, and the second rap is anchored in a large chamber with a small downclimb in its two levels.
Approach[edit]
Approach begins along road next to river. Follow the road towards the cliff face and follow a set of two tracks around the edge of the wall, a bit above the river. After passing the high point of the track (noted by old metal poles on both sides of the track, pass a rock outcropping and follow a slight drainage up to gain the ridge. Use a human shaped rock as guidance. Pass through two rock fins to find the watercourse and drop into the canyon.
Descent[edit]
(2) raps. First rap is 70 ft from webbing slung around large rock center of waterflow. Second rap is 130 ft free hang, with webbing slung around rock a little LDC of center. The second rap is fully free hanging the entire way down. A bit of a spicy start getting over the boulders wedged between the rock walls.
First pull is easy. Second pull is trickier. May have to go RDC onto a pile of scree to pull rope effectively.
Exit[edit]
Easy exit, camp is viewable from exit. Either walk across open field (brambles present in the fall) or follow the road around.
Red tape[edit]
The road down into the canyon is closed from Nov 1. until spring to maintain resource integrity in the canyon. After rains the drive down/up can be very tricky and dangerous.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
This is located within sight of the Old Historic Birch Ranch, a large piece of property owned and maintained by the BLM. There are 19 structures to investigate, and free campsites to use to extend your time in this area to more than just the canyon.